Changes coming at Newcastle? - Sunday's team and shifting that 'loser mentality'
The drubbing at the hands of Man City was more than just a defeat; it was a sobering reminder of some of Newcastle United’s worst traits. But it must serve as a wake-up call.
Eddie Howe himself said post-match that it will be back to basics this week, an equally positive and negative comment from the manager. The game must remain what it was; an aberration of a performance, as United have an excellent record against the ‘Big Six’ this season (Played 11, Won 7, Drawn 2, Lost 2).
Difficult to do in a week, of course, but the club must shed the small club mentality, and if certain players who believed they were guaranteed a start must sit out a couple of games, then so be it.
Changes this Sunday?
Lewis Miley, surely, must come into the starting line-up against Nottingham Forest in place of Willock and in the absence of Joelinton. Howe spoke highly of the "fearless" teenager in Friday's press conference and I get the feeling he could start.
Tino Livramento must also come in ahead of Trippier, who really struggled against Man City and was hooked at half-time as a result.
It sounds like Sven Botman (knee) will miss out again, sadly, but I hope he can build some fitness and momentum soon in preparation for the Cup final. The same could be said about Joelinton, who has been pencilled in to return next weekend.
The game against Forest is huge, arguably as big as the 2nd leg against Arsenal at St James' Park. Win it and we’re three points behind them, lose it, and the gap is nine points, not to mention we'd also be five from Bournemouth should they see off Wolves on Saturday.
St James’s Park must be vicious; it must be as snarling as it was against Mikel Arteta’s men. It is a must win game especially with Anfield on the horizon, a ground we have not won at since 1994.
Shifting that loser mentality
Something must happen to change this loser mentality at United. Winning a trophy will be huge. It will show that this iteration of Newcastle United is a true ‘on field’ competitor and will be considered the setting down of a marker which other ‘top’ sides will have to take notice off, after all, City’s current day dynasty started with a League Cup win, as did Chelsea’s twenty years ago.
PSR has robbed United of moving through the gears at a similar rate of knots as Man City (or Chelsea) but for the first time in years the two teams entered the pitch as equals (level on points and goal difference) on Saturday and United fell well short – a bridesmaid looking on enviously at a glowing bride.
As the club looks to the future, there is an urgent need for change. It must learn from these painful lessons and strive to build a club, team and staff that can compete with the best. A good start would be a back to basics, dogged three points against Forest on Sunday.
